FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

DESIGNING YOUR
PROFESSIONAL RESUMÉ

CAREER SERVICES, HELPING YOU BECOME CAREER READY.

(785) 628-4260 careers@fhsu.edu www.fhsu.edu/career

 DESIGNING YOUR PROFESSIONAL RESUMÉ
Career Services, Fort Hays State University
Sheridan Hall 214, (785) 628-4260

words, the resumé is a sales promotional tool designed to sell YOU to an employer.
-
strate capabilities for a particular position. A resumé should not be a full-edged autobiography. It should

resumé should always be current and contain relevant information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Selecting a format .........................................3
Organizing your information.........................3
Strengthening the presentation......................4
Finishing touches ........................................ 6
Suggested categorical headings ..................... 7
Action verbs..................................................8
Formatting your resumé ............................... 9
Sample resumés ..................................... 10-19
DOs and DON’Ts ...................................... 20
Resumé Checklist ....................................... 21
A Guide to the Reference Page..................... 23

2
 ORGANIZING YOUR Information
The following categories appear on most resumés:

HEADING
Be sure to include your name, present address, e-mail address
and telephone number as well as a permanent address and
telephone number if you are a college student or will be moving
SELECTING A FORMAT from your present address within a short time.

When selecting a format, you should consider readability, eye OBJECTIVE

appeal and a total positive impression. Generous spacing and
separation of components of your resumé will help achieve An objective is similar to a personal mission statement and, when

headings, job titles, education, special skills, accomplish-

ments, etc. focused, but general enough that it doesn’t limit your options
within an organization. Many career counselors, in fact, advise
leaving out an objective altogether for two reasons: 1) writing an
choose:
on your resumé may be better used to highlight your experi-
CHRONOLOGICAL RESUMÉ
each organization or position targeted in your job search.
Chronological resumés are the easiest to prepare and are a
popular style. Data is organized in time sequence in reverse EXAMPLES:
OBJECTIVE:
ADVANTAGE: This traditional form gives a clear picture of where Microcomputer programming in a network environment.
you’ve worked and what you accomplished there. It’s logical and OBJECTIVE:

emphasizes continuity and growth. growth, challenge and responsibility.

DISADVANTAGE: Limited experience, any gaps in employment, or
EDUCATION/TRAINING
format is most dependent on past experience and dramatizes
Beginning with your most recent college degree, work back-
short-term employment.
ward. Be certain to include your degree, major, date of gradua-
tion, school and location. You may elect to include additional
FUNCTIONAL RESUMÉ

more years usually omit this information since their work

style de-emphasizes chronological listings and emphasizes activities which demonstrate professional interests, leadership,

organized into categories, and this is especially valuable for

people who lack direct job-related experience or have an
interrupted work history. WORK EXPERIENCE
ADVANTAGE: Starting with your most recent experience, work backward. Be
highlights what you’re capable of doing. Your presentation is sure that you cover full-time, part-time, summer and volunteer
organized according to your interests rather than your past work; military service; internships (this could be a separate
category); and self-employment. Be sure to document job title,
employment. name and location of employer, major accomplishments and
DISADVANTAGE: responsibilities, and dates of employment. Use action verbs in
chronological format. It plays down direct describing your duties, responsibilities and accomplishments.
experience. Some employers are suspicious that a candidate (See action verb list.)
may be trying to cover up something, such as a gap in employ-
ment. SUMMARY OF SKILLS
functional format. Perhaps
COMBINATION RESUMÉ you have been employed at the same location for a long period
With a combination resumé, data is organized according to of time or several locations performing similar functions;
skills, as in the functional format, but includes a brief identify your major skill areas and highlight them by using
action verbs to give an in-depth description of your duties,
functional and chronological formats, providing an opportu- responsibilities and accomplishments. A summary of skills
nity for you to present your skills and attributes up front. allows the reader to see precisely what strengths you possess.
3
ACTIVITIES/HONORS strengthening the presentation
Whether describing a paid position, volunteer work or
motivation, initiative and organizational skills. Be careful to involvement in an organization, the language of your resumé
select activities that are current and relevant to the position you is very important in lending clarity and strength to your
are seeking. Identify the organization(s) to which you belong and
the role you play in each. Highlight any activities which are up” your resumé.
closely related to your career goals and/or the needs of the
employer. Additionally, include any honors and accomplishments. BE RESULTS ORIENTED
Today’s employers are looking for accomplishments. You
INTERESTS may have been president of a student organization, but an
You may want to identify some of your personal interests if they employer is more interested in what you did as president.
are pertinent to your career goals and/or the needs of the Include relevant skills and accomplishments applicable to
employer. Do not include this information if it takes up space your career.
needed for more relevant information.
FOR EXAMPLE:
INSTEAD OF: President, American Marketing Association,
REFERENCES September 20xx-May 20xx
You may handle this section in one of several ways: 1) Indicate • President of 60-member organization
“References Available Upon Request” at the bottom of your
resumé; or 2) Submit an additional reference page. If identify- WRITE: President, American Marketing Association,
ing your references on a separate page, include the name, title, September 20xx-May 20xx
organization address (including city, state, and zip code), • Raised membership 50 percent,
business telephone number and e-mail address of your referenc- from 30 to 60 members
es. Always get permission from individuals before using them
as a reference. all goals and objectives

USE ACTIVE VERBS

Passive verb constructions — as well as phrases such as
JOB SEARCH TIP “responsible for” and “duties included” — tend to be boring.
VERBS FOR Positions you no longer hold should be past tense. You should strive to use vivid language without succumbing
to any latent tendencies to over dramatize. A proven

is to start each sentence with an action verb.

(See action verb list.)
INSTEAD OF: Responsible for preparation of the sales tax
report each month for my superiors
WRITE: Prepared monthly sales tax report for
management
INSTEAD OF: Prepared and taught lessons to 25
third-graders during student teaching
WRITE: While teaching 25 third-graders, developed
and implemented a new unit that utilized
cooperative learning

JOB SEARCH TIP

Be grammatically correct and check your spelling.

4
 SHORT PHRASES ARE EASIER TO READ QUANTIFY YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
For example:
and impressive by stating “supervised three junior sales
Complete sentences, however well constructed, cannot be associates.”
read as quickly as fragments. Short phrases with strong
verbal excess, redundant auxiliary verbs or a clutter of USE PROFESSIONAL, WORK-ORIENTED LANGUAGE
personal pronouns. How long can anyone sustain interest
when each sentence begins:
glance. For example, if you worked as a prep cook in the
I was... I did... I have... I am... I made... I... kitchen of a local restaurant, it’s easy to surmise that you
mastered the art of chopping vegetables. A prospective
You get the idea. Sentence fragments allow you to skip over employer, however, is probably not as interested in that as
the repetitive personal pronoun and get directly to the he/she would be that you were promoted from assistant prep
important part, the activity or accomplishment, and to lead cook to prep cook in only two weeks.

EXAMPLES:
Suppose you found this on a resumé: OCCUPATION: Waitress
I have had the responsibility in April of each year for putting INSTEAD OF: Waited on tables
together the Washington School talent show which earned WRITE: Ensured customer satisfaction through
money for the general fund. prompt, cordial service

Look at the difference when an action phrase replaces a complete sentence: OCCUPATION: Shoe Salesperson
INSTEAD OF: Took inventory
WRITE: Took charge of purchase and receipt of
By combining your activities with strong action verbs, the phrases on your merchandise and inventory control
resumé might look something like this:
USE THE SPECIFIC VOCABULARY OF THE INDUSTRY
• Planned, prepared and organized materials for thematic units
• Provided consistent enthusiasm and creativity in classroom Acquaint yourself with the acronyms, accepted abbreviations
activities and buzzwords that will help to give your resumé a familiar
• Individualized instruction for students at all levels and abilities
• Facilitated the implementation of writing and reading strategies industry and make note of words that come up during
in ten elementary buildings informational interviews. Demonstrate that you are prepared
• Developed a training packet for portfolio assignment
• Instituted a new curriculum that included long-range plans to
incorporate computer literacy into daily instruction

When you begin to interview for positions, you will already

JOB SEARCH TIP
have the habit of expressing yourself in language that makes When using a two-page format, ALWAYS put each page on a
you sound vital, energetic and enthusiastic. separate sheet of paper. Fill at least half of the second
page and be sure your name is on it.
INCORPORATE A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF YOUR ACTIVITIES
WHENEVER NECESSARY

EXAMPLES:
INSTEAD OF: Recipient of John Doe Scholarship
WRITE: Recipient of John Doe Scholarship for

INSTEAD OF:
Exemplary Leadership Skills

President of Kappa Epsilon Gamma Fraternity

PUT YOUR
NAME on it
WRITE: President of 80-member Kappa Epsilon Gamma
Fraternity, which is dedicated to undertaking
education-oriented public service projects

5
FINISHING TOUCHES
DESIGN AN ATTRACTIVE LAYOUT JOB SEARCH TIP
• Leave a one-inch margin on all sides. Make it easy for an employer to contact you. If you don’t
• Use capital letters, bolding and indenting to emphasize currently own an answering machine or a cell phone with
important information. voice mail, consider investing in one. Many jobs have been
• Keep paragraphs short, and double- or triple-space lost because someone could not be reached; you don’t
between them. want to add your name to that list.
Additionally, innovative answering machine messages
TYPE OR PRINT YOUR RESUMÉ such as, “I’m not here right now. The Rolls is in the shop,
• Each resumé should be individually written using a word and I’m at the stockbroker’s looking over my portfolio!”
processing program. may be fun to listen to but aren’t in your best interest
• Use a program, fonts and output device that produce neat, during the job search.
clean type (or hire a professional). Potential employers don’t find them very amusing when
• Choose a typeface that is simple. they are calling you for an interview. This doesn’t mean
• Use high-quality bond paper (at least 20-pound weight). that your message should be devoid of personality, but
Generally, employers are conservative, and a resumé
it should be brief and professional.
receive a more positive response.

PROOFREAD CAREFULLY
• Check spelling, punctuation, grammar and word use.
• Have someone else with good language skills proofread
your resumé, too.

Make high-quality copies

• Have your resumé reproduced by a quality laser printer.
• Don’t use a photocopier to make copies.

JOB SEARCH TIP

Don’t forget to advise roommates and/or family members
that your job search has commenced. Stress the
importance of answering the phone professionally and
taking accurate messages

ANSWER THE PHONE TELL FAMILY

PROFESSIONALLY

TELL FRIENDS
6
CHECKLIST FOR A WINNING RESUMÉ EXCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
•Visual appeal
• Well organized and easily skimmed • Listing job duties rather than skills
• Free of errors • Flowery language
• Does not exceed two pages • Dishonesty
• Current information relevant to the position sought • Date you are writing the resumé
• Information is centered and balanced on the page • Picture
• Name, address and telephone number are clearly visible
• Underscoring, bold type and capitals are used appropriately • Salary requirement
• Career objective is clear and concise • Names and addresses of references
• Dates and numbers are kept to a minimum • Personal data (marital status, date of birth, height,
• Past experience is presented in positive, active terms weight, health, etc.)
stressing achievements • Reasons for leaving past positions
• Include activities and honors which indicate leadership • Any negative information
skills and organizational abilities and avoid listing all
activities for the sake of making your resumé longer
• Action verbs are appropriate and are in the same tense

SUGGESTED CATEGORICAL HEADINGS

OBJECTIVES EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES & HONORS SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Job Objective Related Experience Volunteer Activities Exhibits
Teaching Objective Professional Experience Related Activities Publications
Career Objective Practicum Experience Civic Activities Current Research Interests
Professional Objective Teaching Experience Professional and
Position Desired Coaching Experience Community Activities Presentations
Job Target Experience Summary Community and Other Conferences Attended
Career Goal Experience Highlights Activities
Professional Background Extracurricular Activities TESTIMONIALS
EDUCATION Military Experience College Activities References
Educational Background Activities and Distinctions Credentials
Educational Preparation ACHIEVEMENTS Special Honors
Educational Record Career Achievements College Distinctions
Academic Background Accomplishments Honors and Distinctions
Academic Training Achievements Related to Honors/Awards
Related Coursework Job Objective Organizations, Activities
and Honors
QUALIFICATIONS EMPLOYMENT
Special Training Other Work MEMBERSHIPS
Other Experience Professional Memberships
Endorsements Employment History
Work History Professional Organizations
SKILLS Part-time and Summer
Areas of Knowledge Work Experience PERSONAL
Areas of Experience
Areas of Expertise
Capabilities Special Talents
Educational Highlights Special Skills
Course Highlights Interests
Background Highlights Travel Abroad Language
Career Highlights Competencies
Professional Skills Military Service
Educational Interests

7
ACTION VERBS

– avoid sounding arrogant or opinionated. Use concise phrasing rather than complete sentences. Quantify as much as possible.

MANAGEMENT enlisted explained set up

entertained facilitated shaped
ADDITIONAL
administered achieved
analyzed formulated guided
adjusted
assigned
informed HELPING expanded
attained interpreted instructed advised improved
chaired interviewed led assessed moved
conducted lectured persuaded assisted pioneered
consolidated mediated set goals
protected
contracted moderated stimulated coached reduced (losses)
coordinated negotiated trained counseled resolved (problems)
delegated persuaded demonstrated restored
developed promoted FINANCIAL diagnosed served
directed publicized administered educated spearheaded
evaluated reconciled allocated expedited strengthened
executed recruited analyzed facilitated synthesized
handled referred appraised familiarized transformed
implemented reported audited guided
improved spoke balanced led
increased translated budgeted motivated
managed wrote calculated referred
organized computed rehabilitated
oversaw TECHNICAL developed represented
planned assembled
prioritized built forecasted CLERICAL/ DETAIL
produced calculated handled approved
proposed computed managed arranged
recommended designed marketed audited
reviewed devised planned cataloged
scheduled engineered projected
strengthened fabricated recorded collected
supervised lifted researched compiled
maintained dispatched
COMMUNICATION operated CREATIVE executed
overhauled acted generated
addressed
programmed conceptualized implemented
arbitrated
remodeled created inspected
arranged
repaired customized monitored
authored
solved designed operated
collaborated
upgraded developed organized
convinced
directed prepared
corresponded
developed
Teaching established processed
addressed adapted fashioned purchased
arbitrated advised founded recorded
illustrated retrieved
arranged
authored coached initiated screened
collaborated communicated innovated
convinced conducted instituted systematized
corresponded coordinated integrated tabulated
introduced validated
developed
directed developed invented wrote
drafted educated originated
edited enabled performed
encouraged planned
encouraged
evaluated revitalized 8
 FORMATTING YOUR RESUMÉ
Permanent Address
YOUR NAME Phone Number
City, State, Zip E-mail

OBJECTIVE
(Optional) This section is used by many students to target the resume to a specific position/employer as well as to summarize how
they can benefit that employer.

EDUCATION
Degree (Bachelor of Arts/Science), Major, May 20XX
Include minors and concentrations here
School (Fort Hays State University), Hays, KS
GPA if above 3.0/4.0 (If below a 3.0/4.0 consider GPA in major); include Latin honors here
List most recent first, if you have attended more than one school. Don’t list high school unless you are a freshman or sophomore
and you have had high school experience that enhances your candidacy.
Study experience abroad can be included here or highlighted in a separate section.
Relevant Coursework
If your degree includes a unique combination of courses and projects in areas relevant to the position for which you are applying,
indicate these course titles.
LICENSES
(Optional) This section may be re-named “Certifications.” Include when applicable.
INTERNSHIPS
Position Title, Dates
Organization Name, City, State
•bInclude quantifiable accomplishments. Prospective employers are interested in how well you performed at your internship, not
just the tasks you completed.
• Use action words to describe your skills and accomplishments.
• Whenever possible, use numbers and give specific examples of results and achievements.

RELATED Experience
Position Title, Dates
Organization Name, City, State
•bInclude quantifiable accomplishments. Prospective employers are interested in how well you performed at your internship, not
just the tasks you completed.
• Use action words to describe your skills and accomplishments.
• Whenever possible, use numbers and give specific examples of results and achievements.

Qualifications
Foreign languages.
Computer languages and skills.
Other special abilities that are relevant.

Community service/volunteer experience

List any volunteer or community service activities participation.
ACHIEVEMENTS
(Optional) This section may be re-named “Accomplishments,” “Abilities” or “Capabilities.”

ACTIVITIES/LEADERSHIP
This optional section can be used for activities, leadership, campus involvement and community service. List name of organization,
dates, responsibilities and offices held (if any.)
Professional affiliations
List membership in professional affiliations, including contributions or offices held.

HONORS/ACTIVITIES
9 List noteworthy academic, athletic, community, club and employer recognition here.
FORMATTING YOUR RESUMÉ
Your Name
600 Park Street (785) 628-4000
Hays, KS 67601 name@mail. su.edu

OBJECTIVE
To obtain a law enforcement-related posi on in a metropolitan se ng.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Jus ce, May 20xx
Minor: Sociology
Cer ficate: Leadership Studies
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
GPA: 3.70 on a 4.0 scale

RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Cybercrime & Behavior Gender, Race & Inequality in Criminal Jus ce
Criminal Law and Procedure Technical & Report Wri ng in Criminal Jus ce

QUALIFICATIONS
• Fluent in German
• Strong analy cal, organiza onal, problem solving and interpersonal skills
• Computer experience with Microso Office; Adobe Acrobat and PageMaker

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Sheriff’s Intern, Fall 20xx
Rooks County Sheriff’s Department, Stockton, KS
• Rode with depu es on various inves ga on assignments
• Observed officers in various se ngs throughout Rooks County
• Assisted jailer with organiza on of inmate files

Deten on Specialist, Summer 20xx

Southwest Kansas Regional Juvenile Deten on Center, Garden City, KS
• Managed safety program for juveniles
• Gained knowledge and understanding of juvenile laws and policies
• Educated juvenile offenders on finances, employment, and housing op ons

WORK EXPERIENCE
Farm Hand, 20xx-Present
Freeman Farms, Ellis, KS
• Operate and perform maintenance on large farm equipment
• Repair ca le panels and fence and monitored livestock food supply

HONORS/ACTIVITIES
Dean’s Honor Roll
Academic Award of Excellence
Na onal Criminal Jus ce Associa on
Delta Tau Omega

10
 SAMPLE RESUMÉ
Taylor Smith
555 Marjorie Drive • Hays, Kansas 67601
785-555-1234
smith@mail. su.edu

Educa on
Bachelor of Business Administra on in Management, May 20xx
Concentra on: Human Resource Management
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
GPA: 3.32 on a 4.0 scale

Qualifica ons
• Excellent communica on skills and organiza onal skills
• Familiar with Microso Office programs including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access

Internship Experience
HR Store Specialist Internship, January 20xx - Present
Dillon Stores, Hays, KS
• Support and coordinate recogni on programs with corporate office
• Assist with scheduling and communica on of annual health screenings
• Payroll administra on, including submission of accurate and mely informa on
• Oversee comple on of all new hire paperwork

Work Experience
Member Services Representa ve, May 20xx - January 20xx
Center for Health Improvement, Hays, KS
• Responsible for implemen ng sign ups with new members
• Coordinate tours, adver sing, and snack bar sales

Student Assistant, August 20xx - May 20xx

Student Affairs, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
• Assisted with promo ng Student Affairs division and events through social media
• Answered phones, filed documents, and provided cordial customer service

Lifeguard, Summers 20xx – 20xx

Hays Aqua c Park, Hays, KS
• Ensured safety of patrons of the aqua c facility
• Prevented and responded to emergencies

Ac vi es/Volunteer Experience
• Alpha Kappa Psi, Secretary
• Tiger Deb Dance Team, Captain
• Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters

References
Available upon request

11
 SAMPLE RESUMÉ
Kameron Johnson
1234 Marjorie Drive 620-555-3333
Hays, KS 67601 kjohnson@mail. su.edu

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Educa on, May 20xx
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
GPA: 3.62 on 4.0 scale

Associate of Applied Science in Child Care, May 20xx

Dodge City Community College, Dodge City, KS

SPECIAL SKILLS
Ÿ Proficient with PC and Macintosh computer systems, as well as all Microso Office applica ons
Ÿ Experience u lizing programs including Kidspira on, Adobe Photoshop, and eZedia
Ÿ Excellent communica on, teamwork, me management, and problem solving skills

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Student Teacher, Spring 20xx
Roosevelt Elementary School, First Grade, Hays, KS
Ÿ Transi oned from observa on to full teaching responsibili es including lesson planning and
implementa on for reading, language arts, math, and science content areas
Ÿ Maintained a posi ve classroom environment, while managing classroom disciplinary issues
Ÿ A ended and assisted with Parent/Teacher Conferences
Ÿ Planned spring field trip to the Rolling Hills Zoo

Literacy Internship, Spring 20xx

Wilson Elementary School, Hays, KS
Ÿ Observed coopera ng teacher and assisted with
administra on of spelling tests and supervising reading groups

Social Studies Internship, Fall 20xx

Hays Middle School, Hays, KS
Ÿ Observed coopera ng teacher and worked with sixth grade students in the social studies
curriculum

Math Internship, Spring 20xx

Victoria Elementary School, Victoria, KS
Ÿ Observed coopera ng teacher in the
math ac vi es

Science Internship, Fall 20xx

Victoria Elementary School, Victoria, KS
Ÿ Observed coopera ng teacher in the fourth grade classroom and assisted students with science
projects

12
 Kameron Johnson Page 2

OTHER EXPERIENCE
Youth Basketball/Soccer Referee, October 20xx - Present
Hays Recrea on Commission, Hays, KS
Ÿ Ensure games are conducted in a safe and orderly manner
Ÿ Communicate with players, coaches, and other referees
Ÿ Maintain current knowledge of rules and regula ons

Pharmacy Clerk, June 20xx - December 20xx

Dillon’s Pharmacy, Hays, KS
Ÿ Greeted customers and handled cash and credit card transac ons
Ÿ Assisted with unpacking shipments of pharmaceu cal supplies
Ÿ Handled nursing home prescrip on deliveries

HONORS AND ASSOCIATIONS

Ÿ Member of Kappa Delta Pi Educa onal Honor Society
Ÿ Member of KNEASP
Ÿ Fort Hays State University Dean’s Honor Roll
Ÿ Kansas State Scholar
Ÿ Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges
Ÿ Na onal Dean’s List
Ÿ Praxis Award of Excellence PLT Exam
Ÿ Outstanding Future Teacher – Pra Community College

COMMUNITY SERVICE
Ÿ Member of Stafford County Extension Council Execu ve Board
Ÿ Member of Martha Rebekah Lodge Number 425
Ÿ Member of St. John High School Booster Club
Ÿ Ac ve Volunteer for St. John School func ons
Ÿ Kansas Guardianship Program Volunteer
Ÿ Chris an Educa on Instructor (K – 2)
Ÿ Church Treasurer

REFERENCES
Available upon request

13
 SAMPLE RESUMÉ
Jason L. Sport
500 Main Street • Hays, KS 67601 • 785-628-4000 • jlsport@mail. su.edu

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, July 20xx
Major: Recrea onal Sports Management
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS

QUALIFICATIONS
• Proven leadership quali es, communica on and organiza onal skills
• Ability to work well with groups to accomplish an assigned task

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Game Day Internship, April 20xx-June 20xx
Wichita Baseball Inc., Wichita, KS
• Assisted with game management du es, on field promo ons, and fundraising ini a ves
• Provided excep onal customer service through cket sales and merchandising
• Coordinated team travel accommoda ons
• Performed website maintenance

RELATED EXPERIENCE
General Manager Assistant, June 20xx-September 20xx
Wichita Baseball Inc. & Wichita Wranglers (Double A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals), Wichita, KS
• Assisted General Manager with daily ac vi es
• Organized the Na onal Baseball Congress Tournament
• Managed staff and coordinated game day events
• Developed promo onal informa on for future events

Golf Instructor, Summer 20xx

Gove County Extension, Quinter & Grinnell, KS
• Instructed boys and girls on proper golf techniques
• Organized summer golf tournament

OTHER EXPERIENCE
Manager/Bartender, September 20xx -Present
Gella’s Diner & Liquid Bread Brewery Co., Hays, KS
• Manage all areas of the restaurant
• Prepare and serve drinks, maintain liquor inventory
• Responsible for infusion of homemade liquors

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Youth Basketball Coach
Hays City Shootout Basketball Tournament
Intramural Recrea on Club
Special Olympics

14
 Ima Sample
123 4th St. (785) 628-4000
Hays, KS 67601 isample@mail. su.edu

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, May 20xx
Concentra on: Agronomy
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS

QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with maintenance and opera on of heavy farm equipment
• Knowledge of how to safely and effec vely use chemicals
• Strong problem solving and leadership skills
• Computer experience with Microso Office programs and GPS so ware

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Crop Consultant Intern, Summer 20xx
Seaman Crop Consul ng, Hugoton, KS
• Inspected cropland to find disease, insects, and weeds
• Examined soils for nutrient and moisture deficiencies
• Offered recommenda ons to improve crop yields

RELATED EXPERIENCE
Lab Assistant, August 20xx – Present
Kansas State Ag Research Center, Hays, KS
• Plan and set up plot maps, assist in the harves ng of plots, and gather soil samples
• Assist in running various samples through an AQ2
• Operate a variety of farm machinery

Farm Laborer, Summers 20xx – 20xx

Smith Farms, WaKeeney, KS
• Assisted with plan ng and harves ng various crops
• Operated and maintained equipment including combines, grain carts, and tractors.

ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS
Agronomy Club, President
Crops Judging Team
Collegiate Farm Bureau
Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity

VOLUNTEER WORK
Ellis County 4-H; United Way of Ellis County; Adopt-A-Road; Special Olympics; Ronald McDonald House;
Tiger food Exchange Supply Drive; Meals on Wheels; Swipe Out Hunger; Relay for Life; Carrico Gi
Wrapping; Trunk-Or Treat

REFERENCES
Available upon request

15
 SAMPLE RESUMÉ
Kacey Brown
4321 Autumn Lane (620) 555-5555
Hays, KS 67601 kbrown@gmail.com

Educa on
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, May 20xx
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
GPA: 3.91 on a 4.0 scale

Bachelor of Science in Communica on Sciences and Disorders, May 20xx

Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
GPA: 3.65 on a 4.0 scale

Professional Experience
Speech-Language Pathologist, 20xx-Present
Coffey County Special Educa on Cooperative, Burlington, KS
• Evalua on and treatment of children in the infant-toddler program, elementary school, middle school,
and high school.
• Provide services to children with ar cula on disorders, phonology disorders, language disorders,
fluency disorders, voice disorders (hypernasality), Au sm, Developmental Verbal Apraxia of Speech,
and Down Syndrome.
• Perform evalua on report wri ng and IEP wri ng using computerized IEP program.
• Schedule and conduct IEP team mee ngs.
• Consult and collaborate with speech-language pathologists in private and hospital se ngs.
• Report children’s quarterly progress to parents and counsel parents.

Externships
Hutchinson Public Schools, USD 308, Hutchinson, KS (Spring 20xx)
• Full- me clinical externship experience las ng eight weeks.
.
• Evalua on and treatment of children (preschool through sixth grade). Included children with
ar cula on, language, voice, and fluency disorders.

Hutchinson Hospital, Hutchinson, KS (Spring 20xx)

• Full- me clinical externship experience las ng eight weeks.
.
• Evalua on and treatment of in-pa ents and out-pa ents with aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, dysphagia,
and cogni ve deficits.

Prac cum Experience

Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, Hays, KS (Fall 20xx-Spring 20xx)
• Provided services to an adult with Broca’s aphasia, apraxia of speech, and dysarthria; focused on
guiding the client to increase her length of u erance, use self-cueing strategies in order to increase
naming skills, and to decrease apraxic episodes.
• Assisted an adult with Wernicke’s aphasia; focused on improving their ability to follow commands,
appropriately answer yes/no ques ons, and improving a en onal skills.
• Worked with a college-age client with a trauma c brain injury and history of learning disabili es;
focused on increasing the client’s memory and organiza onal skills, and phonemic awareness skills.

16
 Kacey Brown Page 2

• Assisted a child with an oral myofunc onal disorder with deficiencies in speech, swallow, and rest
postures.
• Provided evalua on and treatment of adults of varying ages with voice disorders, including paradoxic
vocal fold mo on and essen al tremor.
• Facilitated hearing screenings and complete audiological evalua ons of children and adults.
• Provided treatment to two college students with fluency disorders.
• Evaluated children and adults with speech and language delays/disorders.
• Provided group and individualized aural rehabilita on to adults; focused on improving auditory and
visual skills, increasing asser veness, and improving communica on strategies.

Tiger Tots Nurtury Center, Hays, KS (Spring 20xx)

• Planned and carried out language-enhancing ac vi es with children.
• Provided individualized language and speech services to two preschool children.

Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS (Fall 20xx)

• Evalua on and treatment of in-pa ents and out-pa ents with aphasia, dysarthria,
dysphagia, and cogni ve deficits.

Professional Organiza ons/Licenses

Kansas Speech-Language Hearing Associa on
American Speech-Language Hearing Associa on
- Cer ficate of Clinical Competence (CCC)
Licensed in Kansas and Hawaii

Honors/Awards
Deans Honor Roll
Mortar Board Senior Honor Society
Geneva Herndon Scholarship
Geneva Herndon Scholar Award
Wooster Scholar Award for Undergraduates

References
Available upon request

17
 SAMPLE RESUMÉ
REBECCA MARTINEZ
999 Hillcrest Drive (414) 351-0000
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53200 mar nez@mail. su.edu

PROFESSIONAL REVIEW

Accomplished human resources professional with field and corporate management experience. Highly
specialized skills in compensa on, benefits, staffing and organiza on changes. Decisive problem-solver able
to operate effec vely with lean staff in developing prac cal approaches that reduce costs, improve
produc vity and build teams. Adept at performing under growth, decline or turnaround condi ons.

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

VICE-PRESIDENT OF PERSONNEL
Eaton Corpora on, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 20xx to Present
Plan, direct and manage the total corporate human resources func on. Responsibili es include strategic
plan development, employee rela ons, organiza on and management development, staffing,
compensa on and benefits. Supervise ten employees.

Business Planning and Execu on

Contributed to development and execu on of company’s reorganiza on in 20xx resul ng in a

$30 million pre-tax profit in 20xx with an ROI of 16.2 percent. Results to date reflect a 90-percent
profit improvement over last year.

Halted annual profitability drain of $1.7 million by reversing excessive employee turnover and
produc vity problems. Turnover was double the industry average prior to grooming management
talent, upgrading compensa on and benefit packages, and establishing performance standards.

Established highly confiden al support rela onship with president and line managers which provided
basis for developing and implemen ng human resources strategies that influenced and shaped
corporate business goals.

Compensa on, Benefits and Employee Rela ons

Designed and implemented a compe ve salary administra on and benefits program which improved
morale, upgraded the quality of new hires and reduced company-wide turnover by 25 percent.
Launched employee savings, dental insurance and educa on reimbursement plans.

Recommended, implemented and administered cost-effec ve automobile lease program for

80 traveling supervisors. Leases averaged $320,000 annually and was managed with no addi onal staff.

Crea vely developed, packaged and marketed a series of comprehensive “How To” manuals for branch
and home office personnel from opera ons execu ves to branch clerks. Training was credited for
improving communica ons, produc vity and branch profitability.

Launched responsive EEO/AA program that reduced annual legal fees by $30,000 and liability poten al
by $300,000. Program heightened management’s awareness of responsibili es and liabili es,
significantly improved minority promo ons and reduced discrimina on charges by 50 percent per
annum.

18
 Rebecca Mar nez Page 2

CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

20xx – 20xx
Manchester Health Care Inc., Chicago, Illinois.

Responsible for corporate-wide compensa on and benefit program, performance evalua ons and incen ve
systems.

Developed, implemented and managed these programs.

Centralized several highly diversified compensa on programs which established salary equity, rewarded
fast track producers and reduced administra on costs by $900,000 annually.

Designed and executed performance incen ve systems for field sales personnel which generated aggregate
increases of $16.5 million in revenues and $5.5 million in net opera ng profit.

Successfully developed and managed Union Avoidance strategies for three non-union opera ons which had
become vulnerable. Facili es employed 3,500 people in a heavily unionized industrial community.

Developed equitable pension fund distribu on of $4.5 million to 700 UAW employees affected by plant
shutdown and out-of-state reloca on.

CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

20xx – 20xx
Hoffenmerit Corpora on, Prospect Heights, Illinois.

Formulated and managed pension plans, compensa on systems, incen ves, stock op ons, profit sharing,
liability, and benefit insurance and performance improvements throughout the company. Consulted with
13 separate household companies na onally, performing compensa on audits, establishing salary/benefit
systems and implemen ng programs that impacted employees.

EDUCATION
Master of Business Administra on, 20xx
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 20xx

Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas
Post-graduate work: Counseling and Psychology

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Personnel Management Associa on Illinois Training Directors Associa on
Community Fund of Chicago Chicago Compensa on Associa on
American Financial Services Associa on American Management Associa on
American Compensa on Associa on Human Resources Associa on of Chicago
American Society for Personnel Administra on

REFERENCES
Available upon request.

19
DOs and DON’Ts
FOR DESIGNING YOUR PROFESSIONAL RESUMÉ

DO DON’T
• Make it visually appealing • Use “I” statements
• Make it well organized and easily skimmed • List job duties rather than skills
• Check that it is free of spelling and grammar errors
• Make certain it does not exceed two pages • Be dishonest
• Ensure that information is current and relevant to the • Include the data on the resumé
position sought • Include a picture
• Have information centered and balanced on the page • Discuss religious and political
• Make certain that name, address, e-mail address, and
telephone number are clearly visible • Discuss salary requirement
• Sparingly use underscoring, bold type, capitals and • List names and addresses of
typographic emphasis references
• Make sure your career objective is clear and concise • Include personal data (marital status,
• Keep use of dates and numbers to a minimum date of birth, height, weight,
• Stress and present your achievements and past health, etc.)
experience in positive, active terms • Discuss reasons for leaving past
• Include activities and honors which indicate leadership positions
skills and organizational abilities and avoid listing all • Any negative information
activities for the sake of making your resumé longer
• Check that your action verbs are appropriate and are
in the same tense
• Make sure the resumé sells what you want it to sell

CAREER SERVICES
600 PARK STREET
SHERIDAN HALL 214
HAYS, KS 67601
(785) 628-4260
careers@fhsu.edu

20
 Resumé Checklist

your resumé yourself. When revising your resumé, if there is anything you are unsure about, you may discuss these things when you talk

available in Sheridan Hall 214 or online at http://www.fhsu.edu/career/resumé/.

General Studies
• A resumé is a marketing tool, not a comprehensive job history. Include only those things that will help

• Do not use personal pronouns like “me” or “I.”

• Do not include a reference list or a cover letter as part of your resumé – these should be maintained as
separate documents.
• Use consistent and proper punctuation. Run a spell check and proofread.

Specific Resumé Categories

CONTACT INFORMATION: Include the following contact information:
_1. Name in a font as large as or larger than the largest font in the resumé so that it stands out.
_2. Current address. No need to list permanent address unless the employer should contact you there.
_3. Home phone number. Be sure to have your voice mail in working order with a professional message.
_4. E-mail address. Many employers make contact through e-mail. List an appropriate email address
such as your FHSU email.

for connecting with employers.

Objective — Optional

“Searching for position that will use my background and education and provide potential
for promotion.” Try: “Seeking position related to a year of experience in public relations and
Bachelor’s in Marketing. Consistently recognized as a person that goes above and beyond.”
_2. Specify industry and / or job title or area of interest, see example above.

Education
_1. Put your education section in reverse chronological order directly after your job objective,
especially when searching for an internship, unless your experience is more important.
_2. Spell out degrees i.e. Bachelor of Science not B.S.
_3. Put month and year of graduation, do not put exact dates, do not put “expected” or “projected”
graduation i.e., if you are graduating in May 2020, put May 2020.
_4. Emphasize your degree by placing it before your university and in bold.
_5. Include GPA if it is 3.0 or above, use GPA abbreviation not G.P.A., and do not round to more the 2nd
decimal place i.e., 3.25 not 3.249.

resumé to include college experience and activities.

75% of tuition.”
21
Experience
_1. List your experience in reverse chronological order.
_2. Include full and part time jobs, paid or unpaid internships or practicum’s, and volunteer work especially if it
is related to your desired job.
_3. Do not include whether the jobs were full or part time.
_4. Put past employment experience in past tense.
_5. Put present employment experience in present or past tense.
_6. Include month and year or just years of employment, not exact dates.
_7. Include only city and state for employer location not complete address.
_8. Include numbers to quantify experience where possible, for example - # of employees supervised, size of
budget managed, # of workshops taught or projects coordinated, $ amount saved by your ingenuity.
_9. Be consistent with use of periods. Use them or don’t use them on every phrase/sentence.
_10, Accentuate skills that relate to job target and major — listing the most important skills and

_11. Focus your descriptions on what you accomplished and how you made yourself valuable to past employers
rather than your responsibilities. Instead of: “Responsibilities included implementation of policies and
procedures, training of new employees, interfacing with subordinates and vendors.” Try: “Worked with

whom were rapidly promoted.”

Computer Skills
_1. Include a section on computer skills unless you have none.

Language Skills
_1. Include if applicable.
_2. Non-native English Speakers should not include English, this is assumed.

Optional Categories
Include some of the following categories in addition to those listed: Memberships, Honors, Awards, Course
Projects, and Volunteer or Community Activities.

22
A Guide to the Reference Page

Prospective employers utilize the process of checking references as a method to validate your skills and abilities for a

your work ethics and capabilities. Your job in obtaining references is to make sure your references present the very best about your
attributes and abilities. Employers will vary in their requirements regarding the number and type of references you provide, as well as
when they request reference information.

Basic Guidelines...
• Identify potential individuals to use as a reference early in your college career. Get to know your professors
and advisors and let them get to know you. Impress them!

• Your potential list of references should include a balance of academic, employer, and personal references.

select which references best support your abilities for the position you are applying.

positively, as well as in a timely manner, about your abilities to a prospective employer.

• Do not list references on your resume. Indicate “References available upon request ” at the bottom of your
resumé, if room allows. Otherwise, this is understood. Only include a reference page if it has been requested.

When Asking Someone to Serve as a Reference...

• Ask for permission. For example, “Would you be willing to serve as a reference for me as I pursue my
job “search?”
• Tell them why you want them to be one of your references. Emphasize what they know about your skills
and abilities.
• Tell them what career path you are pursuing and what information you feel would be valuable for them to share
with a prospective employer.
• Tell them when you need the reference. Give them adequate time to write a letter of recommendation,
preferably two weeks. You may need letters of recommendation at the time you apply for a position or they
may be requested at a later time during the employment process. If you are asking the individual to mail a
letter of recommendation, be sure to provide them with a self-addressed envelope or a correct email address.
• When possible, provide your reference contact with a description of the job you are applying for and how you
feel you meet or exceed that criteria. Make sure they know what you expect for their recommendation. For
example, insight into your professional growth in a certain area.

your employment process. A call from a prospective employer should not be a surprise to any of your references.

search process.

23
References for John B. Jones

Cassandra S. Smith
President
First Bank
520 S. Main Street
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-0000
csmith@bank.com

Morgan Freeman
Vice President
First Bank
520 S. Main Street
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-0000
mfreeman@bank.com

Dr. Joe Johnson

Professor
Department of Business Administration
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-0000
jjohnson@college.com

Scott J. Robbin
Head Football Coach
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-0000
scottrobbin@college.com

Sharon Hinkle
Professor
Department of English
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-0000
shinkle@college.com

24
 FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

DESIGNING YOUR
PROFESSIONAL RESUMÉ

CAREER SERVICES, HELPING YOU BECOME CAREER READY.

(785) 628-4260 careers@fhsu.edu www.fhsu.edu/career